Saturday Audio Exchange

My wife, 14 month old son and I spent over 2 hours here. In less than 2 minutes of being in the store the owner asked if I had been helped and found someone to assist. I spent the next 2 hours learning about surround systems, listening to speakers, and having a good time. I’m now happily listening to the new receiver and speakers I purchased.

Just to update on the employees comment, I was running 20 – 25 feet max. And again, rear surround speakers. And again, rude and condescending.

I have recently discovered this store through Unilocal.Before I made any purchase, I corresponded with Andy regarding my audio needs. He couldn’t be more helpful in answering my emails, which a few were sent at late hours, and still I didn’t expect to receive the response within a couple hours.
I had also have the privilege to interact with Ryan, which is one of the nicest, a very helpful and knowledgable person around. He recommended audio systems that suits my needs and my price range, he also helped come up with solutions with my audio streaming issues. On a separate occasion where I had to return/​exchange one of my speakers, and he was super cool about it.
This is definitely the audio store that you would want to go to, if you are serious and passionate about your audio and want to be treated more than just a client. I had my experiences in the past purchasing audio equipments from retail stores, and the difference is night and day.
Saturday Audio will definitely be my go-​to audio needs from now on.

This place is awesome. Wanting to offload an old turntable and pair of Boston speakers, my first contact was email where I was given an estimate within 24 hours. When I took in the gear I was greeted by several friendly, knowledgeable staff members, including one who helped me unload my car. I perused the used vinyl bin and sat in the waiting from for a bit while they appraised the gear, then left with a check. I would definitely return, to sell or buy.

I love the fact these guys are audio geeks, and helpful, and knowledgeable. We wanted a Sonos set-​up. They did not over-​sell us and instead talked about our needs and our options in a practical way. The Sonos rep is a star, the owner is service-​oriented, and the other guys were fun. If you want an impersonal big box store experience, don’t go here. If you like to shop local for the best gear and engage with smart people, this place is for you.

A Chicago Audio shrine. There are other dealers with glitz, glimmer and a «You can buy better but you can’t pay more!» attitude. This is not one of them. Also, you never know what you will find due to their trade-​in inventory. Andy is a great guy with a great team.

These guys were wonderful. Friendly, knowledgeable, and very responsive. Andy gave me all the time I needed to audition components, and answered all my nit-​picking questions before I made a purchase.
When I had an installation issue, they went out of their way to make sure I was satisfied.
I’ve been aware of the store for a long long time, and am regretting not having set foot in here years ago. Will recommend to anyone!

What can I say about these folks that’s not positive?
Saturday Audio Exchange seems to be a collection of audio enthusiasts who decided to get together on weekends. They’re not lightweights in their field. They know what they’re talking about.
Their stuff is high end — just like their know how. They’re friendly and helpful but this isn’t Best Buy. If you know what you want and can hold a geeky conversation, that would serve you well.
Having said all that, I recently had an opportunity to test out their service department. I had purchased a pair of high end speakers (at Saturday Audio) and one of them developed a nasty buzz (let’s hope that never happens again!). So, I called and they asked me to bring it in. We did some paperwork and I left the speaker in the store. The tech wasn’t there but they trusted my description. Long story short, a week later I got a call telling me things were ready. I made my way down, picked up speaker and they even helped me load it into my car. Since it was covered by the warranty, there wasn’t even a mention of a money exchange.
I’m now back in business with awesome sound. Thanks Saturday Audio Exchange! It might be time to upgrade to a power amp. See you next Sunday ;-)

I’m in my 50’s and a huge audio enthusiast, so I’ve been to many audio stores throughout the years. A couple Sundays ago, I made the trek from my home in the far west suburbs to Saturday Audio Exchange. And man am I glad I did! They carry an impressive selection of new and used equipment for all budget levels. But what impressed me the most, was the fantastic «consultant,» Gregg, that I worked with. I was in the market for some new bookshelf speakers and receiver. I was given all the time I needed to thoroughly demo the ones I was interested in. He pointed out the differences and never pushed one brand over the other, advising me to trust my own ears to what sounded better to ME. When I expressed interest in a new receiver, and my interest in Marantz, he explained to me in simple terms the differences as you go up in price, and recommended, based on MY needs, the least expensive one in the line! From the other reviews here, it appears all the staff at Saturday Audio Exchange have the same philosophy of educating their customers and not simply selling them something.
Regardless of your budget, mine is very moderate, but they have some VERY high end equipment too, you will love this place.
As I stated in the beginning of my review, I’ve been to many audio stores throughout the years. Saturday Audio Exchange is by far the best I’ve ever been to. Highly, highly recommend!

As good as it gets. The employees are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, easygoing and kind. They have all kinds of used and new gear, but it’s all high quality in terms of audio fidelity, and they excel at helping you compare units in their sound testing rooms.
I brought in a vintage Kenwood record player I bought off ebay and wasn’t sure whether it just needed a new cartridge or something more. Right away, they started checking it out and swiftly installed my new cartridge and fixed several issues to get it running perfectly. They were out of the speaker wire I needed, but I will come back next week, because I won’t go anywhere else for audio supplies now that I’ve seen what a great small business this is.

These guys are great! I took my turntable here to have a new cartridge installed and they did it on the spot in less than 20 minutes. Even though I bought the cartridge online, they only charged me $ 30 for the install and alignment! A week later when I had a problem with the Marantz 2270 that I just bought off Craigslist, they told me the repair would most likely be quick and easy, but when it turned out they had to send it with their Marantz guy for 2 weeks, they offered to give me a loner receiver so I would have music to listen to while I wait! Amazing! They are nice guys that will work with your budget and true audio people. They have a passion for what they do and try hard to make their customers happy. I will definitely be back when I need speakers.

Let me tell you how much I wanted to love this store: I kept going back and spending money even though (1) most of the merchandise sold to me was broken (both turntable AND receiver which worked in store but quickly broke), and (2) they sold me stereo cable that wasn’t compatible with earlier products sold.
Yes, the store and products are cool and the workers friendly; it’s great that workers don’t put any pressure on customers. Yes, vintage stereo equipment is awesome and they have a range of products. And, yes, they took back defective products sold – though should have triple checked products before selling.
However, the interactions I had over four visits with four different workers resulted in the same frustrations: failure to provide sufficient information and/​or sell me working products (the first time) resulting in repeated return visits and more money spent.
If you’re a very experienced audiophile and need no actual information and/​or can repair your own vintage stereo equipment, awesome. But, if not… buyer beware.

These guys are great. Friendly, informative, and very professional. They set up a cartridge that I purchased and when I got home, it was absolutely perfect. They also know a lot about cooking! Anyway, I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else for my audiophile addiction. Thanks guys. You rock!

I’m so happy we decided to check out this place. They REALLY know what they are talking about, unlike the big box stores.
We were helped by Robert (works on Sundays) and he was so great. Didn’t pressure us. Took time to show us all of our options and worked within our budget. Gave us time and taught us a few things to boot. We walked out with a full setup and saved a ton of money buying a few used components as well.
Everyone we talked to was really with it. I had a screaming kid with me too, and they laughed with him and didn’t make me feel like I had to run out of there. Paid off because I bought $ 1,000 worth of gear. =)
Great guys working there and they know what they are doing. Go and spend your money here and not on Amazon.

I headed out to Chicago to hit a few record stores and check out some used audio equipment.
The owner of a record store directed me to Saturday Audio Exchange for the phono preamp I was in the market for.
I walked in and was immediately drawn to all the used equipment they had for sale. I started looking at all the stuff I wasn’t there to spend money on– Like me in a candy store…
They were pretty busy, so I wasn’t bothered by the fact that I browsed around for a little while before being helped. The older guy that helped me out was very knowledgable with all types of audio equipment and pointed me in the direction of a Music Fidelity preamp that was in my price range. He even set up the preamp in a demo room so I could give it a listen. I was treated as if I were dropping a couple thousand instead of a couple hundred!
Best of all, I was not pressured into buying something out of my price range like the uneducated employees at chain stores.
I will definitely check back here when I am in the need for new components or upgrades. There is A LOT of used high end equipment here to choose from!

This is where you should buy your sound equipment.
After receiving bored indifference from Best Buy and a few other electronic juggernauts, this place was a dream. I spoke with Greg, who seemed to have all the time in the world to go over different options [I was getting my first-​ever home theater & music setup after my stereo of 15 years died].
There was no pressure to buy. Greg worked within my budget and gave me a bunch of different options. I took a week to think it over, and went with one of his recommendations. Everything was easy to set up and I’ve had the new setup on for three days straight now: I can’t believe how great everything sounds.
An example of a stellar local business that absolutely deserves your cash so they can continue to do things perfectly.

This is the kind of hi-​fi shop that inspired my life long love affair with music and sound. From the moment I walked in, I knew this was the kind of shop that I want to do business with.
There’s no pressure. Advice is given when asked for but nobody tries to push a particular product or brand on you. These are music lovers who share their enthusiasm and are happy to help you find the right stuff to meet your needs.
They have a wide range of new and used merchandise, a generous trade-​in policy, and really fast turnaround time if you order something that’s not in stock.
Do you get the sense that I really dig the place? I can’t recommend them highly enough. if you’re looking for stereo or home theater, this should be your first stop.

Hands down the best experience I’ve had making a purchase in forever.
I came in with a very vague idea of what I wanted/​needed — explained what I thought I was looking for, and then got a 90 minute lesson on everything I needed to know to pick out a good turntable, receiver, and speakers.
Everyone in the shop was super friendly, and very excited to share their knowledge, which is always a good time.
Plus! After I’d settled on my purchase (under budget, even!), while they were getting me set up, it was then time to go play with the super expensive speakers and get a physics lesson. Ah-​mazing.
And then, when all was set and done, they even helped me flag a taxi AND get everything loaded in. Way above and beyond in customer service.
If I ever had other questions, or when I’m ready to upgrade, or if any of my friends ever need anything, you can bet we’ll be back.

These people are trustworthy — in today’s world, that’s worth a lot. In fact even in yesterday’s world it’s a good thing. Good place to buy or get repairs — yes there are times when electronics can /​should be repaired.
Keep the little guy going ’cause he gives you many things the BIG GUY can’t.

You should buy your stereo here.
Yes, it can be expensive – there’s some serious Russian oligarch/​insane audiophile gear to be found. But there’s also a ton of good, reasonably-​priced used equipment – so much so that the back area feels like some kind of audio museum. And there’s plenty of mid-​priced new stuff that just sounds terrific, and multiple listening rooms to let you find exactly what you want. And they’re great about repairs – I had some issues with my speakers, and they took the time to figure out what was going on, and fix it, free of charge.
Basically, you can walk out of here with a system that will blow your mind, at pretty much any price you want – they’ve got used $ 200 amps that’ll sound way better than anything you’ll find at Best Buy. And if you go completely off the deep end and decide you’d rather have the world’s most awesome vacuum tube amp versus, say, a 401k, well, they can hook you up with that, too.
A brilliant shop filled with people who clearly know what they’re doing. Check it out.